The incentive for big pharma to create doubts regarding generics

[the skeptic]

I noticed several threads here in which recently registered members posted their fears regarding the alleged side effects and/or ineffectiveness of the generic version of Propecia (a google search on such issues is what led me to this site). But a multi-national pharmaceutical company obviously has a strong incentive to create doubts regarding the generic versions of its drugs. Either directly through its marketing department (or perhaps indirectly via its over-zealous drug reps), posting negative threads about a generic on internet message boards would be an obvious and low-cost way to combat the cheaper competition. So how reliable do you suppose these forum posters are?

 

[talmoode]

About the same as how reliable you are. I must point out that this is your first post.

 

[the skeptic]

Point taken. But since I'm not advocating any particular position, nor relating any experiences, there's really nothing for me to be reliable about. I'm just trying to figure out if the generic version of Propecia is essentially the same thing as the brand version.

 

[kirk]

I found this bio-equivalence chart for 1mg Merck vs. 1mg Dr. Reddy's Finasteride. It is blood level concentrations over time.



Here's the whole study: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/par/documents/websiteresources/con054522.pdf

 

[Quantum Cat]

I found this bio-equivalence chart for 1mg Merck vs. 1mg Dr. Reddy's Finasteride. It is blood level concentrations over time.

View attachment 21020

Here's the whole study: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/par/documents/websiteresources/con054522.pdf

that review looks pretty comprehensive and official. I would trust Dr. Reddy's pills as long as they're manufactured in the UK and I might even buy them next time if the price is right.

 

[robtpenn]

I noticed several threads here in which recently registered members posted their fears regarding the alleged side effects and/or ineffectiveness of the generic version of Propecia (a google search on such issues is what led me to this site). But a multi-national pharmaceutical company obviously has a strong incentive to create doubts regarding the generic versions of its drugs. Either directly through its marketing department (or perhaps indirectly via its over-zealous drug reps), posting negative threads about a generic on internet message boards would be an obvious and low-cost way to combat the cheaper competition. So how reliable do you suppose these forum posters are?

I cannot speak for others, but I would urge anyone to try the generics. Having said that, I had hair loss on Dr Reddy's after > a decade on Propocia. I love generics. Was thrilled when the pharmacy gave me the generic. I am looking for info regarding what other generics have hit the market (in addition to if and when Propecia will drop their price - so far only offering $50 off coupons for 90 day supply).

 

[abcdefg]

Yeah I dont really get it. The generics are regulated just like the original do people just not understand that? There is always a tiny chance of a problem but that is with anything. Hopefully more generic companies step up pretty soon so the cost can down a lot more which should happen soon I think dr reddy had like 3 months exclusive before others can also jump in.